Page 60 of The Don's Hidden Heir

“You do realize there’s a life once all of this is over, right? Have you talked to him about what to expect once everything returns to normal?”

“I don't know, Moira,” I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. “I’m afraid. What if Dominic wants nothing more than a fling? What if I speak to him about it and it ruins everything?”

Moira places a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "It's natural to be scared, Elena. But you can't hide from your feelings forever. You need to talk to Dominic, ask him where he sees this going. If you're in love with him, you deserve to know if he feels the same way."

I nod. Moira is right; I can't keep avoiding this conversation. But I also know that confronting Dominic about our future could mean the end of what we share now.

He could be a total asshole and turn me away, or he could choose to restore what we once lost. Something I ruined because I was foolish and young.

Moira and I talk about her dating life and work. By the time she leaves, it’s pretty late and Dominic isn’t home yet.

I sigh and make my way to the kitchen to prepare a cup of coffee.

The soft glow of the kitchen lights makes the room seem homely, and I find solace in the rhythmic sounds of the coffee maker. As the dark liquid fills the cup, I think back to my conversation with Moira.

Although she’s right and I consider bringing the topic up with Dominic, now is not a good time.

When the machine sighs it’s last steamy sigh, I take the aromatic brew and settle at the dining table with my MacBook, opening the presentation I've been preparing for my next presentation.

I take a sip of the steaming coffee and bitter taste lingers on my tongue.

Hours pass as I work and I lose track of time. The clock on the wall ticks away. It's only when the front door creaks open that I look up from my laptop and realize it’s almost midnight.

Dominic enters, his imposing presence filling the room. His sharp eyes immediately find me at the dining table, and a faint smile tugs at his lips. "Working late, Elena?"

I close the laptop and stand, then I smile. It can’t be helped when my heart flutters the way it does whenever I’m around him. "Yes, I need to prepare for tomorrow's meeting with David Peterson."

His brows knit together and he frowns. “Elena…”

I walk up to him to him, raise myself on my toes and pepper his face with kisses. He smells like sweat and sandalwood. “I know, Dominic, but this war doesn’t end with you. It’s mine and Lucas’s by extension. I just can’t sit around and wait for it to happen.”

He curls his hand around my waist. “What are you planning?”

I shrug. “Not much, but maybe I can find out what illegal businesses he’s involved in. He doesn’t know I’m aware of his true identity yet, so I can deal with him if I play my cards right.”

Dominic's sudden withdrawal from our embrace catches me off guard. His blue eyes are clouded with concern. He places his hands on my shoulders, holding me at arm's length.

“Elena, I can't allow you to get involved in something so dangerous,” he states, his voice firm and unwavering.

I meet his gaze, searching for any sign of compromise. But I know him well enough to recognize when he's made up his mind, and this is one of those times. His protective instincts are in overdrive, and it doesn’t seem like he will back down no matter what I say.

“Dominic, I understand your concern, but this meeting with Peterson could be helpful. If I can gather information on his illegal activities and threaten him with that information, you can get him off your back for good without having to kill your own uncle.”

He releases a heavy sigh, his fingers tightening on my shoulders. “It’s not that easy, Elena. You’re underestimating how dangerous this could be. Peterson doesn’t fear the police. The system is just as corrupt as our world. A threat will mean little to him and you’ll only get hurt.”

I reach up and place my hand on his cheek, gently caressing his sharp jaw. “I appreciate your concern, but I can't just sit on the sidelines while all of this unfolds. It's my life, too, and Lucas's future that we're talking about. Just trust me this one time, okay?”

Dominic's eyes soften as he leans into my touch, his lips brushing against my palm. "I trust you, Elena, but this world we live in—it's ruthless. I've seen things that would haunt your nightmares. I can't bear to expose you to that darkness."

I understand the weight of his words. The world of the mafia is brutal and unforgiving. It’s a darkness that swallows you whole when you step inside and it never sets you free.

Still, it’s a risk I’m willing to take for my family.

“I promise to be careful, Dominic," I say earnestly, my gaze locked with his. "I won't take unnecessary risks, and I'll prioritize our safety above all else. But I need to do this—for Lucas’s sake.”And for yours.

He closes his eyes for a moment, his forehead resting against mine. I can feel the internal struggle he's fighting, torn between giving in to my request and shielding me from harm.

Finally, he exhales slowly and opens his eyes, a hint of resignation in his expression. "Alright, Elena. But promise me you'll never underestimate the danger, and you’ll call me first if anything goes wrong.”

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